Splunger

ABSTRACT

A combined toilet brush and plunger, termed the Splunger, combines both functions in one tool. In order to do so, the Splunger can be converted, conveniently and without tools, from a substantially rigid configuration in which a mop head is effectively mounted on one end of a rigid handle, so as to be employed as a conventional toilet brush, to a flexible configuration in which the mop head is extended on a flexible but incompressible member, so that it can be forced into the constricted passages of a toilet, clearing it out.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 11/404,113, filed Apr. 14, 2006, which claimed priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/672,100, filed Apr. 18, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved household tool combining in one device, termed herein the “Splunger,” the principal functions of toilet brush and plunger, thus realizing simplification and economy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically one requires a toilet brush, essentially a brush or mop head on a rigid handle, to clean a toilet, while one needs a plunger, commonly a large rubber suction cup also on a rigid handle, to force clogs out of the constricted “trap” passageways of the toilet (especially the new limited-flow toilets, which are very susceptible to clogging) and into the soil plumbing. See Scott U.S. Pat. No. 2,473,452. Alternatively, a flexible but non-compressible shaft—such as a stiff spring—can be used as the shaft for a tool designed to be thrust through the trap and associated passages and thus clear any clogging. See Browning U.S. Pat. No. 1,154,369 and Palmer U.S. Pat. No. 4,025,982. In either case both a brush and a separate device for clearing clogging are normally required. It would desirable to provide a single tool providing both cleansing and trap-clearing functions, and such is the object of the invention. Other aspects and objects of the invention will appear as the discussion thereof proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a combined toilet brush and trap clearing device, termed the Splunger herein, which combines both functions in one tool. In order to do so, the Splunger can be converted, conveniently and without tools, from a relatively rigid configuration in which a mop head mounted on one end of a rigid handle can be employed as a conventional toilet brush, to a flexible configuration in which the mop head is extended on a flexible but incompressible member, so that it can be thrust into the constricted trap passages of a toilet, clearing clogs therefrom.

The Splunger comprises a rigid tubular outer handle, closed at proximal and distal ends by cap members having central bores therethrough. A small mop head is mounted on a distal end of a relatively flexible but substantially incompressible tubular member (abbreviated hereinafter simply as the “FIT” member), extending through the bore in the distal cap on the outer handle; the FIT member can be made using a length of reinforced plastic tubing, such as used for water piping and the like. A control member extends coaxially within the rigid outer handle. The proximal end of the control member extends outwardly through a cap on the proximal end of the outer handle and has a gripping knob or the like fixed thereto.

According to an important aspect of the invention, the distal end of the control member can be selectively secured to the proximal or distal end of the FIT member. (Equivalently, the proximal end of the FIT member can be selectively affixed to the control member at spaced locations therealong. Both possibilities are shown in detail below, and the description herein should be read to include both except where specifically indicated to the contrary.) If the distal end of the control member is secured to the proximal end of the FIT member, and the control member is pulled proximally out of the outer handle, the mop head is received at or near the distal end of the rigid handle. In this “toilet brush” configuration, the Splunger can be used as a relatively rigid toilet brush, for scrubbing and the like. Alternatively, and preferably, the user will disconnect the distal end of the control member from the proximal end of the FIT member, slide the control member into the tool without moving the FIT member, and then connect the distal end of the control member to the distal end of the FIT member; as the elongated control member then no longer protrudes from the handle, this alternative “toilet brush” configuration is somewhat more convenient in use.

If instead the control member is pushed into the outer handle while the distal end of the control member is still attached to the proximal end of the FIT member, the FIT member will be extended out of the distal end of the handle, taking the “plunger” configuration. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment, a cup is mounted on the end of the rigid handle, with the FIT member extending through an aperture therein. In order to use the Splunger as a plunger to clear clogs, its distal end is inserted into the toilet bowl, so that the cup makes a reasonably effective seal around the exit aperture in the toilet bowl, and so that the mop head is positioned to enter the discharge passage. As the FIT member is flexible but capable of transmitting a compressional force, if one then pushes on the withdrawn proximal end of the control rod, the thrust will be transmitted to the FIT member and thence to the mop head, forcing the mop head into the outlet passage of the toilet, acting as a piston or plunger, pushing a column of water into the toilet outlet passage to clear any clogs or the like.

In a first “threaded connection” embodiment, the fitting by which the mop head is attached to the FIT member has an internal thread on its proximal end, for receiving a corresponding thread on the distal end of the control member. A second fitting, also with an internal thread for receiving the thread on the control member, is secured to the proximal end of the FIT member; the control member extends out through this fitting and through the bore in the proximal cap on the outer handle, and, as noted, has a knob on its proximal end. Equivalently, as in a second “quick-change” embodiment, added by the present continuation-in-part application, the proximal end of the FIT member can be selectively affixed to the control member at spaced locations therealong, e.g., using a locking-ball mechanism.

More specifically, the control member is a few inches longer than the outer tubular member. When the distal end of the control member is secured to the distal end of the FIT member and pushed almost entirely into the outer handle, all but the distal end of the FIT member is received within the distal end of the rigid outer handle. In this “toilet brush” configuration, although the mop head is actually affixed to the distal end of the FIT member, because all but a few inches of that end of the relatively flexible FIT member are confined in the distal end of the outer tubular member, the mop head is relatively rigidly supported, so that the Splunger can be used effectively as a toilet brush. When it is desired to use the Splunger as a clog-clearing tool, the control member is detached from the distal end of the FIT member, pulled most of the way out of the tubular member and FIT member, and secured to the proximal end of the FIT member. (As noted, equivalently, as in the implementation of the second “quick change” embodiment of the invention discussed in detail below, the proximal end of the FIT member can be selectively affixed to the control member at spaced locations therealong.) The control member can then be pushed into the tubular handle, forcing the length of the FIT member out of the bore in the cap at the distal end of the tubular member. When this has been accomplished, so that the mop head is carried only by the FIT member, which is flexible but substantially incompressible, as described above, the mop head can be forcibly urged into the passages of the toilet. It has been found that a properly sized mop head functions as a sort of hydraulic ram or piston, and is very effective in clearing clogged toilets.

After use, the control member can again be secured to the distal end of the FIT member, near the mop head, and the control member drawn all the way rearwardly, so as to take a storage position in which the mop head is drawn into a snugly-fitting cup member, for convenience in storage and ease of cleaning. In a preferred embodiment, the mop head fits relatively tightly into a first inner “wringer” cup member, forcing water from the mop head, which is perforated for drainage; the first cup member may be surrounded by a second, imperforate cup member, so as to control dripping of water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood if reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an elevational view with the Splunger in its “wringer” configuration;

FIG. 2 is a similar view, with the Splunger in the “toilet brush” configuration;

FIG. 3 is a similar view, with the Splunger in the “plunger” configuration;

FIG. 4 is a cutaway, cross-sectional view, showing a first “threaded connection” embodiment of the Splunger;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a toilet, showing the Splunger in use in its plunger configuration;

FIG. 6 is a partial view corresponding to FIG. 4, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the mop head and surrounding cup assembly;

FIG. 7 shows an elevational view of a of a second “quick-change” embodiment of the Splunger, in its “toilet brush” configuration;

FIG. 8 shows a partial cross-sectional, partially cut-away view of a portion of the “quick-change” embodiment of the Splunger, showing an actuating grip that is provided in this embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view through the grip of the “quick-change” embodiment of the Splunger in the “toilet brush” configuration; and

FIG. 10 shows a similar view, with the Splunger in a transition configuration, whereby it is reconfigured from the “toilet brush” to the “plunger” configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As discussed above, the Splunger of the invention is a tool that can be reconfigured to take a “toilet brush” configuration (FIG. 2), in which the mop head is essentially rigidly connected to the handle, to enable effective scrubbing; a “trap cleaning device” configuration (FIG. 3), in which the mop head can be forced through a curved “trap” passageway in a toilet (as illustrated by FIG. 5), clearing it out, and a “wringer” configuration (FIG. 1). FIG. 4 illustrates a first “threaded connection” embodiment of the inventive construction that makes this versatility possible. A second quick-connect” embodiment is discussed below in connection with FIGS. 7-10.

The Splunger comprises a rigid tubular outer handle 12, closed at proximal and distal ends 12 a and 12 b, respectively, by cap members 14 and 16, respectively, having central bores therethrough. A mop head 18 is mounted on a distal end of a flexible but incompressible tubular “FIT” member 20, extending through the bore in the distal cap 16 on the outer handle 12; the FIT member 20 can be made using a length of reinforced plastic tubing, such as used for household water piping and the like.

In a first “threaded connection” embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the fitting 22 by which the mop head 18 is attached to distal end of the FIT member 20 has an internal thread 22 a formed therein for receiving a corresponding thread 24 on the distal end of a rigid control member 26 extending coaxially within the FIT member 20. A second fitting 28, also with an internal thread 28 a for receiving the thread 24 on the control member 26, is secured to the proximal end 20 a of the FIT member 20; the control member 26 extends out through this fitting 28 and through the bore in the proximal cap 14 on the outer tubular handle 12, and has a knob 36 (or is otherwise adapted to be gripped by a user's hand) on its proximal end 30.

The control member 26 is a few inches longer than the outer tubular handle 12. Thus, when the thread 24 on the control member 26 is threaded into the fitting 22 at the proximal end of the FIT member 20, and the control member 26 is pulled almost entirely into the outer handle 12, a short length of FIT member 20 protrudes from the distal end of outer handle 12, as shown in FIG. 2. In this configuration, the mop head 18 is substantially supported by the outer tubular member 12. That is, although the mop head 18 is mounted to the flexible FIT member 20, the FIT member 20 does not protrude from the fitting 22 enough that its relative flexibility allows the mop head 18 to move with respect to the handle to a degree that would interfere with use of the Splunger as a scrub brush, i.e., the mop head does not move substantially with respect to the handle. Accordingly, in this position the Splunger can be used as a toilet brush, which requires a relatively rigid connection between the handle 12 and mop head 18 to enable effective scrubbing.

When it is desired to use the Splunger as a clog-clearing tool, the thread 24 on the control member 26 is unthreaded from the fitting 22 at the distal end of the FIT member 20; the mop head fits within wringer cup member 34 (which is fixed to tubular handle 12) sufficiently snugly that the cup member 34 holds the mop head, allowing the control member to be unthreaded from fitting 22. (The snug fit also allows cup 34 to serve as a wringer, forcing water from the mop head when drawn into cup 34.) Then the control member 26 is pulled most of the way out of the tubular handle 12 and FIT member 20, and thread 24 is threaded into the fitting 28 at the proximal end of the FIT member 20. The control member 26 can then be pushed back into the tubular handle 12, forcing the length of the FIT member 20 out of the bore in the cap 16 at the distal end of the tubular member 12, so as to take the “plunger” configuration of FIG. 3.

In this configuration, wherein the mop head 18 is carried only by the FIT member 20, which is flexible, but substantially incompressible, as described above, the mop head 18 can be thrust into the trap and associated passages of the toilet to clear clogs therefrom, as illustrated in FIG. 5. As noted, it has been found that a properly sized mop head 18 functions very effectively as a sort of hydraulic ram or piston, and is very effective in clearing clogged toilets. A useful technique for so clearing clogs is to place the cup member 34 firmly over the drain opening in the toilet, with the control member 26 pulled back with respect to the tubular member 12, and then press axially on the control knob 36, so that the control member 26 and FIT member together force the mop head 18 into the trap and associated passages, clearing any clogs. As it is constrained within the outlet passage of the toilet the FIT member cannot kink or buckle and so effectively transmits the user's“pushing” force to-the mop head 18. Of course, the mop head 18 can be thrust into and withdrawn from the toilet repeatedly as needed to unclog the discharge passages.

Thus, it will be appreciated that an important constructional feature of the Splunger is that the control member 26 can be selectively affixed to the FIT member 20 at spaced relative locations thereof. In the first “threaded connection” embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the distal end of the control member is selectively threadedly engaged with either of fittings 22 and 28 at opposed ends of the FIT member 20. With the control member engaged with the proximal end of the FIT member 20, the FIT member 20 can be fully extended by pushing the control member 26 out of the tubular handle 12. In this circumstance the FIT member 20 is flexible, allowing it to pass along the convoluted trap passages of a toilet; the mop head 18 serves as a sort of hydraulic piston, effectively clearing clogs. When the control member 26 is withdrawn, all but a few inches of the FIT 20 are within the tubular handle 12. The FIT is made of material selected so that in this configuration, as noted above, the mop head 18 is substantially supported by the distal end of the handle 12, allowing the Splunger to be used as an effective toilet brush.

The Splunger can be used in this “toilet brush” configuration with the control member threaded to the fitting at either end of the FIT member 20, although it is more convenient to do so after unthreading the control member 26 from the fitting at the proximal end of the FIT member 20 and pushing the control member 26 into the handle 12, so that the control member 26 does not protrude awkwardly; preferably the control member 26 is then threaded into the fitting 22 at the distal end of the FIT member 20, so that the FIT member does not tend to slide in and out of the handle 12.

After use, presuming that the thread 24 on the control member 26 is threaded into the fitting 22 at the distal end of the FIT member 20, the control member 26 and FIT member 20 can be drawn rearwardly, so as to take a wringer position (see FIG. 1) in which the mop head 18 is pulled into and surrounded by a wringer cup member 34. Again, the fit of the mop head 18 in inner cup member 34 is sufficiently firm that the mop head is gripped frictionally within the wringer cup member 34, so that the control member 26 can be effectively threaded thereinto; this good fit also causes water to be effectively squeezed from the mop head as it is drawn into the cup member, so that little dripping takes place thereafter, and providing an effective self-cleaning function. As illustrated, cup member 34 may be perforated, for better drying of mop head 18.

Other aspects of the construction of the Splunger that have not been discussed are as follows. (Of course, the invention is not limited to the specific constructional details shown.) The mop head includes a central fitting to which fitting 22, threaded to accept coupling 24, can readily be attached. An O-ring 32 can be interposed between an inward-extending ring on cap 16 (which can be modified from a conventional PVC plastic pipe coupling) and the distal end of tubular handle 12, to provide a seal between tubular handle 12 and FIT member 20.

As will appear to those of skill in the art, the FIT member 20 needs to be flexible enough to conform to the curved outlet passages of the toilet forming the trap, while being sufficiently incompressible and resistant to buckling or kinking that a firm push on the control member and transmitted thereby to the proximal end of the FIT member 20 is capable of urging the mop head into the trap. As mentioned, FIT member 20 can usefully be made from a length of reinforced plastic water tubing, as used in various home plumbing systems; this material is sufficiently flexible to be thrust readily through the convoluted trap and associated passages of a toilet, yet is sufficiently rigid that, at least while constrained within the outlet passage of the toilet, it does not tend to kink, so that force exerted on the proximal end of the control member is efficiently transmitted to the mop head at the distal end of the FIT.

Other materials providing these characteristics and no disqualifications could also be used. For example, a FIT member 20 made from a long, tightly wound tension spring, such as the type employed for closing screen doors, or as a plumber's snake, would likely be functionally adequate but might tend to scar the inner surfaces of the toilet, and/or to rust. Unreinforced rubber tubing would presumably be too likely to kink, preventing efficient transfer of force to the mop head, but reinforced rubber hose, e.g, as used for fuel lines, might be adequate. Likewise, while the tubular handle 12 is preferably a length of PVC tubing, other plastics and other classes of materials might be acceptable if sufficiently rigid to serve as a handle. Similarly, the control rod, while successfully implemented as a length of stainless steel rod ¼-inch in diameter, could be made of tubular material if sufficiently rigid to transfer force so as to thrust the mop head into the toilet passages to free clogs therein.

Accordingly, terms such as “flexible but incompressible” and “rigid” as used herein to describe these components are to be understood to suggest the functional requirements of these components to those of skill in the art, not to limit the invention.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative construction of the wringer cup assembly, which is presently preferred. In this embodiment, wringer cup member 34′ is essentially cylindrical, to efficiently wring water from mop head 18 as the mop head is drawn into the cup 34′. Wringer cup member 34′ is supported by an outer cup member 40 that is secured to tubular handle 12. More specifically, a radially- and proximally-extending flange 34 a mates with outer cup member 40 such that they can be glued together. Perforations 34 b provide an escape path for water forced out of the mop head 18 as it is drawn into wringer cup 34′. An O-ring or resilient washer 42 is confined between the distal end 12 b of tubular handle 12 and outer cup 40, providing a seal between the FIT member 20 and handle 12. As illustrated, the distal end of wringer cup 34′ is flared slightly, to provide a good seal against the exit orifice of the toilet, so that when the mop head 18 is forced into the outlet passage of the toilet a water column is pushed ahead, leading to efficient removal of clogs.

FIGS. 7-10 show a second “quick-change” embodiment of the Splunger. This embodiment includes a mechanism secured to the proximal end of the FIT member which is operable to selectively affix the control member at two spaced points therealong to the FIT member. In other respects, this embodiment is similar to that discussed above. In this “quick-change” embodiment, a ball longitudinally fixed with respect to the FIT member, but operable to be controllably moved radially outwardly and inwardly, is selectively retained within one or the other of two spaced grooves in the control member, so as allow the FIT member to be effectively secured to either end of the control member. Selection of the relative positions of the control member and FIT member can be made quickly and conveniently in this embodiment, as the delay involved in threading and unthreading the control member from the FIT member required by the FIG. 4 “threaded connection” embodiment discussed above is eliminated.

As indicated, the basic advantage of the “quick-change” embodiment is to provide convenient reconfiguration of the Splunger from one of the “toilet brush” and “plunger” configurations to the other, that is, to allow ready repositioning of the control member with respect to the FIT member, so that by manipulation of the control member the FIT member can be extended out of the surrounding handle, so that the Splunger takes the “plunger” configuration, or withdrawn into the handle, taking the “toilet brush” configuration.

In the implementation of the “quick-change” embodiment of the invention illustrated, reconfiguration is accomplished by operating the control member so that a mechanism (detailed below) that is fixed to the proximal end of the FIT member 46 and is operated to selectively affix the FIT member to the control member at a desired location therealong is brought under an actuating grip 50. In this region the handle is selectively weakened, if necessary, so that as grip 50 is squeezed inwardly by hand pressure, the inner surface of tubular handle 52 engages and releases the mechanism; the control member can then be operated to reconfigure the Splunger as desired.

More specifically, as shown by FIG. 7, in this “quick-change” embodiment actuating grip 50 is disposed around and may be secured to tubular handle 52 near its proximal end. As shown by FIG. 8, the tubular handle 52 may be longitudinally slotted, as indicated at 52 a, selectively weakening handle 52 in this region, so that hand squeezing pressure applied to grip 50, as indicated by arrows 56, is sufficient to deform handle 52 inwardly and operate the mechanism. Comparison of FIG. 9, where grip 50 is shown in its “relaxed” position, no pressure being applied, and FIG. 10, showing the deformation occasioned by hand pressure, makes this clear.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a currently preferred embodiment of the mechanism whereby the control member 48 can be affixed at one of several desired locations therealong to the proximal end 46 a of FIT member 46 comprises a locking sleeve 54 that slides on a tube 58 coaxial with tubular handle 52. A distal end of tube 58 is fixed to proximal end 46 a of FIT member 46, and the proximal end of tube 58 is secured to a bushing 60. Springs 62, between bushing 60 and locking sleeve 54, and 64, between locking sleeve 54 and the proximal end 46 a of FIT member 46, together provide a self-centering action to sleeve 54, so that unless the device is being operated to reconfigure the Splunger, sleeve 54 takes the position shown in FIG. 9.

A ball 66, e.g., a steel ball as used in a ball bearing, is confined in a hole 58 a bored in the wall of tube 58. Two circumferential grooves, a proximal groove 48 a and a distal groove 48 b, are formed in control member 48, and are sized to receive a portion of ball 66, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In the position shown in FIG. 9, the inner surface of locking sleeve 54 retains ball 66 in distal groove 48 b, so that ball 66 locks control member 48 to tube 58, and thus to FIT member 46. Grooves 48 a and 48 b are spaced along control member 48 near its opposed ends, defining the respective positions at which the control member 48 may be selectively affixed to the FIT member 46. When ball 66 is received in distal groove 48 b (as in FIG. 9), and the control member 48 is pushed into the tubular handle 52, the Splunger is then in its “plunger” configuration in which the FIT member 46 and the mop head 18 are spaced well away from the distal end of tubular handle 52. By comparison, when control member 48 is pulled into tubular handle 52 and ball 66 is disposed in the proximal groove 48 a, FIT member 46 is disposed substantially entirely within tubular handle 52, so that the Splunger takes its “toilet brush” configuration. In this configuration the control member 48 can be pulled proximally so as to bring mop head 18 into a cup, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6.

Reconfiguration of the Splunger from one of its “toilet brush” and “plunger” configurations to the other therefore requires that ball 66 be allowed to escape from the one of grooves 48 a and 48 b in which it is currently disposed, so that control member 48 can be moved with respect to FIT member 46. Actuating sleeve 54 has circumferential grooves 54 a and 54 b formed in its bore, sized to receive ball 66, so that ball 66 can be freed from one of the grooves 48 a and 48 b in control member 48 by movement of sleeve 54 with respect to the hole 58 a in tube 58.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, movement of sleeve 54 with respect to tube 58 is accomplished by squeezing grip 50, compressing tubular handle 52, so that the inner surface of handle 52 engages sleeve 54. Control member 48 is then pushed or pulled as desired; it is illustrated having been pushed rightwardly in FIG. 10. When pushing is thus initiated, ball 66 is still locking control member 48 to tube 58, and thus to FIT member 46, so the assembly of FIT member 46, tube 58, ball 66, and bushing 60 is moved rightwardly with respect to sleeve 54, compressing the corresponding spring (proximal spring 62 in FIG. 10) until ball 66 reaches groove 54 b. At that point the curved surface of groove 48 b will urge ball 66 outwardly, to be received in groove 54 b in sleeve 54. This releases ball 66 from groove 48 b and allows the control member 48 to be moved rightwardly, as indicated by arrow 68. Ball 66 will then be confined in hole 58 a and groove 54 b, as illustrated in FIG. 10, allowing control member 48 to move freely with respect to FIT member 46. At this point the user's grip can be eased, whereupon spring 62 will urge sleeve 54 rightwardly, toward the centered position. When control member 48 has been moved sufficiently that proximal groove 48 a is aligned with groove 54 b, ball 66 will drop into proximal groove 48 a; if the user's grip has not previously been eased, as above, spring 62 will then urge sleeve 54 rightwardly to its centered position, so that ball 66 is retained in proximal groove 48 a. At this point the control member is essentially within the tubular handle, and the Splunger is in its “toilet brush” configuration. Reconfiguration in the opposite sense is accomplished similarly, by squeezing grip 50 so as to secure sleeve 54 and then moving the control member 48 and FIT member 46 until ball 66 is released; control member 48 can then be moved separately from FIT member 46, allowing reconfiguration.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that there are numerous modifications that could be made to the above-described embodiments, and numerous different mechanisms altogether that might be employed so as to allow the Splunger to be readily and conveniently reconfigured, and all such are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

More particularly, it will appreciated that in the first “threaded connection” embodiment, the control member can be selectively affixed to either end of the the FIT member, while in the second “quick-change” embodiment, the proximal end of the FIT member is selectively affixed to the control member at one of two spaced locations therealong. Various mechanisms are within the skill of the art that would effectuate either alternative. For example, it is straighforward to envision an embodiment wherein a ball would be fixed longitudinally with respect to the control rod, and arranged to be controllably moved radially inwardly and outwardly, so as to be selectively received within spaced grooves at either end of the FIT member. In this case the control member might be configured as a tube with a spring-biased control rod running down its center and arranged to urge the ball outwardly except when moved against the spring bias, e.g., by a push-bottom at the distal end of the control member.

Having described the invention in detail, the following constructional features of the preferred embodiment, to which the invention is not to be limited, the scope of the invention being limited only by the appended claims, and the advantages provided thereby will be of interest:

FEATURE: The ” Splunger” is a small attractive unit adapted both to clean the bowl and unclog the water trap of modem flush toilets. ADVANTAGE: One can do the jobs of cleaning and unclogging with a single tool.

FEATURE: The mop head is designed to clean the toilet bowl and is of a size that will conform to fit a clogged water trap as a hydraulic ram or piston, so as to push a clog through and out of the trap. ADVANTAGE: Novel approach to solve the problem of the clogged toilet.

FEATURE: The mop head, being provided with inner and outer cup members, allows water to be wrung from the mop head, while all manual operations can be carried out from the opposite end of the handle. ADVANTAGE: Cleaning the mop head is simple, neat, and easy, while one's hands will not come in contact with contaminated water.

FEATURE: The mop head wringer housing, that is, the inner cup receiving the mop head, is designed so as to divert water out through drain holes pointing away from the hand held position of the device. ADVANTAGE: Any water pulled into the wringer cup will not enter the hollow handle shaft of the Splunger.

FEATURE: The mop head outer cap is designed to enter the bowl drain and stop at the proper position to ensure smooth entry of the mop head into the water trap. ADVANTAGE: Positioning the cup housing properly assures a smooth entrance of the mop head into a clogged water trap.

FEATURE: Use of plastic tubing as the flexible but incompressible member allows one to push the mop head through the water trap but not mark the ceramic toilet bowl. ADVANTAGE: No permanent marks are left, as might occur if a metal coil spring or plumber's “snake” were used.

FEATURE. Construction is of durable plastic and stainless steel. ADVANTAGE: Designed to outlast other toilet cleaning devices.

FEATURE: Mop-head is easily replaceable. ADVANTAGE: If the mop-head wears out one need not replace a complete unit.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail, the invention should not be limited thereby. 

1. A combined toilet brush and plunger, comprising: an elongated rigid tubular outer handle; an elongated flexible but incompressible tubular member, disposed within the interior of said tubular outer handle, and arranged to slide longitudinally therewithin; a mop head mounted on a distal end of the flexible but incompressible member; an elongated control member disposed within the flexible but incompressible tubular member and arranged to slide longitudinally therewithin, a proximal end of said control member extending out of a proximal end of said outer handle and adapted to be gripped; and wherein said control member is adapted to be selectively affixed to said flexible but incompressible member at spaced relative positions thereof, whereby said control member can be affixed to said flexible but incompressible member at a first relative position thereof and manipulated to urge said flexible but incompressible member out of the distal end of the outer handle or can be affixed to said flexible but incompressible member at a second relative position thereof and manipulated to to withdraw said flexible but incompressible member into the outer handle.
 2. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the flexible but incompressible member comprises a fitting having an internal thread, for receiving a corresponding thread on the distal end of said control member, such that said control member can thereby be selectively affixed to the distal end of the flexible but incompressible member.
 3. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 2, wherein the proximal end of the flexible but incompressible member comprises a second fitting having an internal thread for receiving the thread on the control member, and wherein the control member extends proximally through said second fitting, such that said control member can thereby be selectively affixed to the proximal end of the flexible but incompressible member.
 4. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 2, further comprising a distal cap fitting over the distal end of the outer handle, said distal cap having a bore therethrough for allowing passage of said flexible but incompressible member.
 5. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 4, further comprising a cup member secured to said distal cap, wherein the mop head fits within the cup member sufficiently snugly that the cup member frictionally secures the mop head against rotation, allowing the control member to be unthreaded from said fitting.
 6. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 5, wherein said cup member is perforated to allow water to escape therefrom.
 7. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 6, further comprising a second outer cup member secured to said outer handle for receiving said perforated cup member.
 8. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 1, further comprising a proximal cap fitting over the proximal end of the outer handle, said proximal cap having a bore therethrough for allowing passage of said control member.
 9. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 1, wherein said flexible but incompressible member is made using a length of reinforced plastic tubing.
 10. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 1, wherein said control member is formed to define discontinuities at spaced locations therealong, and said flexible but incompressible tubular member comprises a mechanism at its proximal end for being selectively coupled to one of said discontinuities.
 11. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 10, wherein said rigid tubular outer handle is selectively weakened in a predetermined region, said region surrounding said mechanism when said control member is operated to bring the proximal end of said flexible but incompressible member to a predetermined position, whereby said tool may be reconfigured from one operating configuration to the other by a user exerting hand pressure sufficient to deform said tubular outer handle inwardly and operate said mechanism.
 12. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 10, wherein said discontinuities are circumferential grooves formed in said control member adapted to receive a ball confined by said mechanism to move longitudinally with said flexible but incompressible tubular member but permitted to move controllably radially inwardly and outwardly with respect thereto, whereby said control member can be affixed to said flexible but incompressible tubular member by disposition of said ball in one of said grooves in said control member while preventing radial outward movement of said ball.
 13. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 12, wherein said control member fits within a tube one end of which is fixed to said flexible but incompressible tubular member, a hole being bored transversely in said tube for receiving said ball, whereby said ball is constrained to move longitudinally with said flexible but incompressible tubular member.
 14. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 13, wherein a sleeve is disposed over said tube, said sleeve having an inside bore having at least one groove formed therein, said bore being sized that said ball is prevented from moving radially outwardly from said grooves in said control member except when said at least one groove in the inside bore of said sleeve is juxtaposed to the groove in said control member in which said ball is then disposed.
 15. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 14, wherein said sleeve is spring-biased to a position with respect to said tube such that said ball is prevented from moving radially outwardly except when said sleeve is displaced against said bias.
 16. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 15, wherein said sleeve is disposed between opposed springs, one confined between said sleeve and the proximal end of said flexible but incompressible tubular member, and the other confined between said sleeve and a bushing affixed to the proximal end of said tube.
 17. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 16, wherein said rigid tubular outer handle is selectively weakened in a predetermined region, such that a user can exert hand pressure sufficient to deform said tubular outer handle inwardly and grip said sleeve so as to restrain motion of said sleeve against the bias of said springs as the flexible but incompressible tubular member is moved with respect to said control member by hand pressure applied to the proximal end of the control rod.
 18. A method of use of a single tool reconfigurable to be selectively operable as a toilet brush, having a mop head attached substantially rigidly to a handle, or as a plunger having a mop head attached to a flexible but incompressible member, said tool comprising: an elongated rigid tubular outer handle; an elongated flexible but incompressible tubular member, disposed within the interior of said tubular outer handle and arranged to slide longitudinally therewithin; a mop head mounted on a distal end of the flexible but incompressible member; an elongated control member disposed within the rigid tubular outer handle and arranged to slide longitudinally therewithin, a proximal end of said control member extending out of a proximal end of said outer handle, and said control member being selectively affixable to said flexible but incompressible tubular member at spaced relative positions thereof, wherein said method of use of the tool as a plunger comprises the steps of affixing said control member to said flexible but incompressible tubular member such that the distal end of said control member is juxtaposed to the proximal end of said flexible but incompressible tubular member, and urging said control member into said outer handle such that the flexible but impressible member extends out of said outer handle, such that tool can be employed as a plunger, and said method of use of the tool as a toilet brush comprises the steps of affixing said control member to said flexible but incompressible member such that the distal end of said control member is substantially juxtaposed to the distal end of said flexible but incompressible member and withdrawing said control member from said outer handle such that the flexible but incompressible member is substantially contained within said outer handle, such that said tool can be employed as a toilet brush.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein first and second fittings are secured to the proximal and distal ends of the flexible but incompressible member, said fittings having an internal thread for receiving a corresponding thread on the distal end of said control rod, whereby the distal end of the control member can be selectively affixed to one of the proximal and distal ends of the flexible but incompressible member by threading the thread on the distal end of the control member into the corresponding thread on said fitting.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein said control member is formed to define discontinuities at spaced locations therealong, and said flexible but incompressible tubular member comprises a mechanism at its proximal end for being selectively coupled to one of said discontinuities.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein said rigid tubular outer handle is selectively weakened in a predetermined region, said region surrounding said mechanism when said control member is operated to bring the proximal end of said flexible but incompressible member to a predetermined position, whereby said tool may be reconfigured from one operating configuration to the other by a user exerting hand pressure sufficient to deform said tubular outer handle inwardly and operate said mechanism.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein said discontinuities are circumferential grooves formed in said control rod, and said mechanism comprises a ball confined to move longitudinally with said flexible but incompressible tubular member but permitted to move controllably radially inwardly and outwardly with respect thereto, whereby said control member can be selectively affixed to said flexible but incompressible tubular member by disposition of said ball in one of said grooves in said control member while preventing radial outward movement of said ball.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein said control member fits within a tube one end of which is fixed to said flexible but incompressible tubular member, a hole being bored transversely in the wall of said tube for receiving said ball, whereby said ball is confined to move longitudinally with said flexible but incompressible tubular member.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein a sleeve is disposed over said tube, said sleeve having an inside bore having at least one groove formed therein, said bore and said at least one groove therein being sized that said ball is prevented from moving radially outwardly from said grooves in said control member except when said at least one groove in the inside bore of said sleeve is juxtaposed to the groove in said control member in which said ball is then disposed.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein said sleeve is spring-biased to a position with respect to said tube such that said ball is prevented from moving radially outwardly except when said said sleeve is displaced against said bias.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein said sleeve is disposed between opposed springs, one confined between said sleeve and said flexible but incompressible tubular member and the other confined between said sleeve and a bushing affixed to the proximal end of said tube.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein said rigid tubular outer handle is selectively weakened in a predetermined region, said region surrounding said sleeve when said control member is operated to bring the proximal end of said flexible but incompressible member to a predetermined position, whereby said tool may be reconfigured from one operating configuration to the other by a user exerting hand pressure sufficient to deform said tubular outer handle inwardly and grip said sleeve so as to restrain motion of said sleeve against the bias of said springs, while moving the flexible but incompressible tubular member with respect to said control member by hand pressure applied to the proximal end of the control rod.
 28. The method of claim 18, wherein the control member is somewhat longer than the outer tubular handle, so that when the control member, having been affixed to the distal end of said flexible but incompressible member to which the mop head is attached, is drawn partially into the tubular handle, the flexible but incompressible member extends somewhat from the handle, and wherein a wringer cup within which said mop head fits relatively snugly is disposed around the distal end of said tubular handle, whereby if said control member is drawn fully into the outer handle said mop head is drawn into said wringer cup, whereby water is effectively wrung from said mop head by said wringer cup.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein said wringer cup is perforated, and a second outer cup is affixed to said tubular handle over said wringer cup.
 30. The method of claim 18, wherein a cup is secured to the distal end of said tubular handle, such that said flexible but incompressible member extends through an opening in said end of said cup, and whereby said tool can be used as a plunger, the distal end of the control member having first been secured to the proximal end of the flexible but incompressible member, by urging an open distal end of said cup against a water passage to be cleared, and pushing said control member into said handle, such that said mop head is urged by said flexible but incompressible member into the water passage. 